Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Genome-wide study finds 1,260 variants tied to personality

9/2/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the U.S. and U.K. published a genome-wide study linking personality to over 1,200 genetic variants.
The study pooled 46 cohorts, totaling about 1.14 million participants across 13 countries.
Scientists discovered 1,260 genetic markers for the Big Five.
The variants account for roughly 5-16 % of personality differences.
Extraversion genes raised early-pandemic COVID-19 infection risk.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers from the U.S. and U.K. published a genome-wide study linking personality to over 1,200 genetic variants.
The study pooled 46 cohorts, totaling about 1.14 million participants across 13 countries.
Scientists discovered 1,260 genetic markers for the Big Five.
The variants account for roughly 5-16 % of personality differences.
Extraversion genes raised early-pandemic COVID-19 infection risk.